New dance programme is designed to prevent falls

Older residents to benefit from Council-backed sessions

14 March 2019

The old adage says prevention is better than cure … Eastleigh Borough Council has partnered with Hampshire County Council to launch an innovative falls prevention programme led by its leading contemporary arts venue, The Point.

Designed to work with residents over the age of 65 who want to be more mobile and/or need to build up strength and balance, the new programme features weekly dance sessions delivered by professionally-trained practitioners at the popular Leigh Road venue.

The practitioners, all experienced in delivering movement classes to older people, worked with nationally-recognised training provider Later Life Training to specifically learn about movement that can help prevent falls and improve strength and balance. The practitioners then combined the evidence-based exercises with the creativity and energy of contemporary dance to create Steady and Strong dance classes.

Leading the project for The Point is Agent for Dance Inclusion Suna Imre. She says:

“We know that dancing is for all ages and that it can support and extend movement potential whatever age you are.

“We are very excited about the project in collaboration with Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.

“We really feel this Hampshire-wide initiative may keep many older people out of the hospital for longer and also enrich the lives that lead through social engagement of a creative nature.”

“We’re delighted to be collaborating with Hampshire County Council to deliver this exciting programme through The Point.

“Falls by the elderly have a serious impact on health and healthcare costs. They are also one of the most common reasons that threaten the independence of older people. The fear of falling among the elderly can lead to depression, feelings of helplessness and social isolation. We are keen to explore ways we can work both creatively and effectively to prevent this occurring.

“True to form the dance department at The Point has taken the idea of fall prevention and showed itself to be imaginative, innovative and inspirational in supporting new models for health delivery.

“Wellbeing and prevention of ill health is pivotal to what we want to achieve for our residents. These Steady and Strong dance classes will offer them the chance to maintain their health while building confidence and mental and physical wellbeing.”

The first Steady and Strong dance classes will take place at The Point in Leigh Road, Eastleigh, starting from Wednesday, 24 April, 2pm to 3.30pm. Classes are designed for anyone who wants to be more mobile and/or is fearful of falling. For more information, visit www.thepointeastleigh.gov.uk or call 023 8065 2333.

Further classes will be delivered across the area. Contact Hampshire County Council's Fall Prevention coordinator Nicola Kelly for more details on 01962 846605 or visit www.hants.gov.uk/balance

Steady and Strong Dance is part of the Steady and Strong programme in Hampshire. The programme includes 95 evidence-based falls prevention exercises delivered by qualified instructors. Full details can be found by visiting www.hants.gov.uk/FallsPrevention

Facts About Falls & Fractures

Falls and fractures are a common and serious health issue faced by older people in England. People aged 65 and older have the highest risk of falling; around a third of people aged 65 and over, and around half of people aged 80 and over, fall at least once a year. Falling is a cause of distress, pain, injury, loss of confidence, loss of independence and mortality.

The human cost can include distress, pain, injury, loss of confidence, loss of independence and mortality. For health services, they are both high volume and costly.

In terms of annual activity and cost:

The Public Health Outcomes Framework (PHOF) reported that in 2013 to 2014 there were around 255,000 emergency hospital admissions related to falls among patients aged 65 and over, with around 173,000 (68%) of these patients aged 80 and over.

Falls were the 9th highest cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in England in 2013 and the leading cause of injury.

Unaddressed fall hazards in the home are estimated to cost the NHS in England £435million.

The total cost of fragility fractures to the UK has been estimated at £4.4 billion which includes £1.1 billion for social care; hip fractures account for around £2 billion of this sum.

Short and long-term outlooks for patients are generally poor following a hip fracture, with an increased one-year mortality of between 18% and 33% and negative effects on daily living activities such as shopping and walking.

A review of long-term disability found that around 20% of hip fracture patients entered long-term care in the first year after fracture

Falls in hospitals are the most commonly reported patient safety incident with more than 240,000 reported in acute hospitals and mental health trusts in England and Wales